The American Society for Healthcare Environmental Services (ASHES)

1. The American Society for Healthcare Environmental Services (ASHES) The association that represents, defines, and advances the healthcare environmental services profession.

2. Who is ASHES? The American Society for Healthcare Environmental Services (ASHES) of the American Hospital Association (AHA) is the premier professional membership organization for individuals in the field of: • healthcare environmental services • healthcare housekeeping • regulated medical and healthcare waste management • facility textile care and linen management • and related support services disciplines. ASHES provides education, professional recognition, national networking, affiliation and collaboration with the AHA on public policy and advocacy issues related to healthcare environmental services. Vision A financially-sustainable environment for quality patient outcomes and healthy communities Mission The association that represents, defines, and advances the healthcare environmental services profession.

3. Who is ASHES? • A personal membership group (PMG) of the American Hospital Association with 25 year of service to the members • The only organization dedicated to healthcare environmental services • ASHES’ community consists of: • approximately 2,300 members, representing over 1,800 healthcare facilities; • a board of directors composed of 1 president, 1 vice president, 4 at-large representatives, and 1 industry advisor; • a staff of 5 association management professionals based in Chicago, IL.

4. Member Composition

5. Member Composition

6. ASHES represents, defines, and advances the healthcare ES profession through: Education | Certification | Networking | Representation

7. Education Annual Conference Between 35% and 45% of the ASHES membership attends this annual event to: • Expand the ES knowledge, broaden horizons, and integrate fresh ideas into their work environment • Get motivated with innovative, multi-disciplinary education • Discover advanced technologies and solution sets at the Healthcare Marketplace • Acquire new contacts, network, exchange ideas with colleagues, and enjoy multi-faceted activities in a relaxing environment

8. Education Our online educational courses are made available via iCohere! Click here to take a tour. • Online Education – with hundreds of individuals receiving multi-disciplinary training on: • Infection Control for Non-clinical Healthcare Workers • Environmental Sanitation • Management and Operations • CHESP study sessions

9. Education ASHES has many titles available as a management or departmental resource. • CHESP Review Guide • Practice Guidance for Healthcare Environmental Cleaning • Top to Bottom – Training DVDs for Frontline Staff • Recommended Practices: Disaster Readiness and Recovery • Recommended Practice: Integrated Pest Management • …and more.

10. Certification The AHA Certification Center (AHA-CC) designs and administers Certification Programs to recognize mastery of well-defined bodies of knowledge within healthcare management disciplines. The AHA-CC is a sister organization of ASHES under the umbrella of the American Hospital Association. • VISION: AHA certified healthcare professionals contributing to positive patient outcomes and a healthier community. • MISSION: To create, facilitate and administer the healthcare industry’s premier certification programs.

11. Certification Hold the only credential backed by the credibility of ASHES and the AHA! Certified Healthcare Environmental Services Professional (CHESP) • CHESPs enjoy the pride of recognition of being among the elite in a critical field of healthcare. The CHESP is a premier credential based on a sound assessment that provides distinction in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

12. Networking • Affiliated Societies Local professionals with invaluable networking, education, and commitment to the field • CareerLink Searchable career opportunities with ability to post résumés, email alerts, and more • Membership directory The national think tank for knowledge exchange & expertise • Listserv This members only resource connects individuals instantly via email with peers • Bulletin Board This is a great area for collaboration and interaction with peers in order to achieve solutions to common issues • Business Directory With over 5,300 visitors per month, this tool connects individual members with industry vendors, new technology, and solution sets for facilities across the US

13. Networking Electronic Community • Listserv This members only resource connects individuals instantly via email • Bulletin Board This is a great area for collaboration and interaction with peers in order to achieve solutions to common issues • Resource Library A member driven repository of materials where members can upload articles, reports, toolkits, policies, templates, etc. • Membership profiles provide a secure and safe space where members can share their personal, professional and educational experiences for ongoing relationship building and professional networking. Our online community is made available via iCohere! Click here to take a tour.

14. Representation ASHES is the VOICE representing professionals though: • Advocacy – influencing legislation in collaboration with the AHA • Regulatory Activity – providing input on regulations affecting the member’s areas of responsibility and with direct access to: • Food and Drug Administration (FDA) • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) • And more • Technical Expertise – providing input on practices, standards and accreditations to organizations like: • Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) • Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) • The Healthcare Laundry Accreditation Council (HLAC) • The Joint Commission

15. ASHES Has More to Offer… • Publications • Discounts on Products and Services • Educational Webcasts • Awards of Professional Recognition • Electronic Newsletters • In-depth Articles • Web Access to a Repository of Knowledge • Access to AHA Members Only information • Web-based Community with Blogs, Videos, and Discussion Boards

16. Why should you join? Because you are seeking: • Educational opportunities specific to your area of responsibilities • A vibrant community of peers in the ES profession • Information that can improve efficiencies, effectiveness in the department • To mentor or share your knowledge with others • To further your careers through education and certification • A national organization that can represent your interests, listens to member’s input, provides helpful assistance, and aims to service those at the frontline of patient safety, satisfaction, infection control, and operational excellence. ASHES is for you!

17. Get Involved Today! To do list: • Become a member today! Click here. • Attend and participate in the Annual Conference • Utilize the electronic resources and connect with peers • Website – www.ashes.org • bulletin board • electronic community • listserv • Get active with an Affiliated Society or Committee • Put into Practice the Information Gathered!

18. Welcome to your community! American Society for Healthcare Environmental Services 155 N Wacker Dr., Suite 400 Chicago, IL 60606 P. 312-422-3860 F. 312-422-4578 E. ashes@aha.org W. www.ashes.org